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Extension Operations

Ohio State University Extension

CFAES

Thoughts from the Director

Welcome to 2020! I hope you are enjoying your new year. As one resolution, I have committed to scheduling and protecting my vacation time with family. My recent trip to Tahoe was invigorating. What are you resolving to do in 2020? I hope it brings you happiness and health! 

We welcome Laurie Ward to our administrative office team as the new office administrative associate, following LaVerne Castle’s move to the Office of Institutional Equity. Laurie comes to us from the Wexner Medical Center, so she is very familiar with Ohio State internal systems and processes. She is also familiar with 4-H via her kids’ previous involvement as club members! Laurie will be the primary contact for Jackie’s calendar, as well as meeting requests/preparation, admin. reports, correspondence, and myriad other tasks. If you need to schedule or change an appointment, or if you have questions for Jackie, you can contact Laurie directly at 614-292-1842 or ward.676@osu.edu. Thanks also to Dawnn Brown for assisting with Jackie’s calendar and other tasks for the past few weeks. She has been a tremendous partner during the transition. 

Area leader update: Pat Holmes is serving as an interim area leader for area 21 (Hamilton and Butler counties), following Deb Carney’s retirement. You can reach Pat directly at holmes.86@osu.edu

Thanks again to Toni Bahnsen, who retired on December 31 from CFAES Human Resources. Toni first joined Ohio State in 1974, served in several units, then rejoined the Department of Extension in 1998 until moving to the college HR team in 2014. Toni played an integral role in Extension recruitment, specifically the educator hiring process. We are grateful for Toni’s many contributions and her passion for OSU Extension. She will be greatly missed. 

Upcoming communication: Save the date for a video update on Jan. 22 at 9am; and look for the next “print” News and Notes in late January.